Distributed non-real-time content

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for a reception apparatus to access non-real-time (NRT) content. The method includes receiving, by the reception apparatus, a selection of the NRT content included in a digital television broadcast signal broadcast by a content source. The reception apparatus determines whether the selected NRT content is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. When the selected NRT content is determined not to be stored in the memory, the reception apparatus determines whether the selected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device that is accessible via a communication network. When the selected NRT content is determined to be downloadable from an external device that is accessible via the communication network, the reception apparatus downloads the selected NRT content from the external device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/756,279, filedJan. 24, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments described herein relate generally to storing and accessingcontent. More particularly, embodiments described herein relategenerally to the storing and accessing of non-real-time (NRT) contentbroadcast from a content source.

2. Background

Modern consumer electronic devices such as televisions, set top boxes,mobile devices, etc. are capable of receiving a plurality of differenttypes of content. Depending on the type of consumer electronic device,the content can be broadcast, streamed, or retrieved and stored locallyfor presentation to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda reception apparatus. The reception apparatus includes a receiver, amemory, and at least one processor. The receiver is configured toreceive NRT content included in a digital television broadcast signalbroadcast from a content source. The memory is configured to store theNRT content. The at least one processor is configured to receive aselection of the NRT content and determine whether the selected NRTcontent is stored in the memory. When the at least one processordetermines that the selected NRT content is not stored in the memory,the at least one processor determines whether the selected NRT contentcan be downloaded from an external device that is accessible via acommunication network. Further, when the at least one processordetermines that the selected NRT content can be downloaded from anexternal device that is accessible via the communication network, the atleast one processor downloads the selected NRT content from the externaldevice.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda method of a reception apparatus for accessing NRT content. The methodincludes receiving, by the reception apparatus, a selection of the NRTcontent included in a digital television broadcast signal broadcast by acontent source. The reception apparatus determines whether the selectedNRT content is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. When theselected NRT content is determined not to be stored in the memory, thereception apparatus determines whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device that is accessible via acommunication network. When the selected NRT content is determined to bedownloadable from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network, the reception apparatus downloads the selectedNRT content from the external device.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium havinginstructions embedded therein, which, when executed by a computer, causethe computer to perform the method of the reception apparatus discussedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for storing and/or accessing NRTcontent;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary reception apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a processor-centric block diagram of an exemplary receptionapparatus;

FIG. 4 is a processor-centric block diagram of an exemplary mobilenetwork operator (MNO);

FIG. 5 is an exemplary computer;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system for providing NRT content;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a system for providing NRTcontent;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for accessingNRT content;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for NRT contentselection;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method fordetermining whether NRT content is downloadable from an external device;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary system for storing NRT content;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for storingNRT content in an external device;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method fordetermining whether the NRT content can be stored locally;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS);

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary Internet Protocol (IP) packet for theNRT content; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of information carried in a ServiceSignal Channel (SSC).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of theprinciples and not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiments shown and described. In the description below, likereference numerals are used to describe the same, similar orcorresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, asused herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,and not necessarily mechanically. The term “program” or “computerprogram” or similar terms, as used herein, is defined as a sequence ofinstructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program”,or “computer program”, may include a subroutine, a program module, ascript, a function, a procedure, an object method, an objectimplementation, in an executable application, an applet, a servlet, asource code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load libraryand/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on acomputer system.

The term “program”, as used herein, may also be used in a second context(the above definition being for the first context). In the secondcontext, the term is used in the sense of a “television program”. Inthis context, the term is used to mean any coherent sequence ofaudio/video content such as those which would be interpreted as andreported in an electronic program guide (EPG) as a single televisionprogram, without regard for whether the content is a movie, sportingevent, segment of a multi-part series, news broadcast, etc. The term mayalso be interpreted to encompass commercial spots and other program-likecontent which may not be reported as a program in an electronic programguide.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certainembodiments”, “an embodiment”, “an implementation”, “an example” orsimilar terms means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, theappearances of such phrases or in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments withoutlimitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any ofthe following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described with respect to NRT contentprovided in a digital television broadcast signal broadcast by a contentsource. In one embodiment, the NRT content is broadcast by the contentsource in advance of use (i.e., not streaming content), for example, asdefined in ATSC standard A/103.

Examples of NRT content include any one or a combination of mediacontent such as video/audio entertainment programming includingtelevision programs, movies, events (e.g., sporting events), music, andradio programs, push video on demand (e.g., content ranging fromshort-form video clips to feature length movies); printed publications(e.g., magazines); news information and weather services; personalizedtelevision channels; reference information on a wide range of topics;web pages; web-portals; news feeds; etc. Examples of non-media contentinclude software applications, software updates, data files, etc. NRTcontent is also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,099,752 and 8,250,607which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the NRT content is associated with primary content,which is included in the digital television broadcast signal. In oneembodiment, the primary content includes one or more television programsthat are broadcast in real-time. The NRT content is presented to a userduring the broadcast of the primary content. In another embodiment auser is simply notified of the availability of the NRT content. Forexample, a movie advertisement presented during a commercial break inthe primary content may be associated with NRT content including themovie for download. In another example, when the primary content is asporting event, the primary content may be associated with NRT contentthat includes player statistics.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are described withrespect to NRT content that is broadcast in a digital televisionbroadcast signal by a content source via a terrestrial broadcasttransmission, the NRT content, and any associated primary content, maybe provided via other communication methods such as via the Internet,cable television transmission, satellite television transmission, radiotransmission, or other broadcast or communication networks such as aprivate local area network (LAN), a mobile data network (e.g., 3G, 4G,or Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile data networks), evolved MulticastBroadcast Multimedia Service (eMBMS) broadcast, etc. eMBMS is defined inthe 3GPP specifications, which include release 1999 and releases 4-12incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Further, although embodiments of the present disclosure are describedwith respect to NRT content. Other types of content, including theprimary content and/or other real-time content, can be accessed orstored in other embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 2 for storing and/or accessingNRT content. The system is configured to provide NRT content to aplurality of reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d. The system 2 includes acontent source 10 (e.g., a digital television broadcaster), thereception apparatuses 20 a-20 d, a cloud-based storage system 40, and amobile network operator (MNO) 50. The reception apparatuses 20 a, 20 bare connected to a home network 35 a. The reception apparatus 20 c isconnected to a home network 35 b. In one embodiment, the home networks35 a, 35 b are associated with different subnets. In another embodiment,each of the reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d is connected to the samesubnet. The content source 10, cloud-based storage system 40, MNO 50,and home networks 35 a, 35 b are connected to the Internet 30.

The system 2 is not limited to the specific number of, and connectionsbetween, the networks and components illustrated in FIG. 1. It should beunderstood that, in other embodiments, any number of each component(including zero), or combination thereof, can be included in the system2. Further, the reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d may be communicativelycoupled to each over any one or a combination of different communicationnetworks (e.g., local area network, wireless local area network, widearea network, cellular network, cable television network, home network,Internet, etc.).

The content source 10 broadcasts a digital television broadcast signalcarrying content, including primary and/or NRT content. It is noted thatthe NRT content need not be associated with primary content. In the caseof primary content, the audio/video content is divided into a videoelementary stream (ES) and an audio ES corresponding to the video andaudio portions of the content. The video ES and audio ES are multiplexedwith the NRT content to form a broadcast multiplex, such as an MPEG-2Transport Stream (TS).

In other embodiments, the content source 10 provides the primary and/orNRT content via one or a combination of the terrestrial broadcast, asatellite broadcast, a cable television transmission, cellular network(e.g., eMBMS), and other data communication networks such as a localarea network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet 30.

The content source 10 broadcasts digital television broadcast signals inaccordance with, for example, standards set by the Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee (ATSC) such as ATSC standards A/53, A/103, and/orA/153, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Forexample, the content source 10 broadcasts content using a broadcasttower via a studio to transmitter link (STL).

When a digital television broadcast signal includes primary content andNRT content associated with the primary content, the primary contentcorresponds to a main program while the NRT content corresponds tosupplemental content that is related to the main program. For example,the primary content is a live basketball game while the NRT contentincludes statistics for players playing in the basketball game.

In one embodiment, the primary content provided by the content source 10includes one or more television programs, without regard to whether theprogram is a movie, sporting event, segment of a multi-part series, newsbroadcast, etc. Further, the primary content provided by the contentsource 10 may also include advertisements, infomercials, and otherprogram-like content which may not be reported as a program in an EPG.

The reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d receive the digital televisionbroadcast signal broadcast by the content source 10. In one embodiment,when any one of the reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d determines that NRTcontent is needed (e.g., to be presented to a user), the one of thereception apparatuses 20 a-20 d determines whether the NRT content isstored locally. When the NRT content is determined not to be storedlocally, the one of the reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d determineswhether the NRT content can be downloaded, or otherwise retrieved, froman external device (e.g., another one of the reception apparatuses 20a-20 d, the cloud-based storage system 40, the MNO 50, the contentsource 10, etc.)

Further, in one embodiment, the reception apparatuses 20 a-20 d areconfigured to cause an external device (e.g., another one of thereception apparatuses 20 a-20 d, the cloud-based storage system 40, theMNO 50, the content source 10, etc.) to store selected NRT content forsubsequent retrieval on demand.

The MNO 50 is configured to communicate with the reception apparatus 20d via a cellular network. In one embodiment, the reception apparatus 20d is a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop,portable computer, etc. However, the reception apparatus 20 d may be afixed or stationary device such as a television set if configured tocommunicate over the cellular network.

Depending on the embodiment, the MNO 50 receives none, one, or acombination of the primary and NRT content broadcast from the contentsource 10. In one embodiment, the MNO 50 receives and stores thebroadcast NRT content while the reception apparatus 20 d receives theprimary content from the digital television broadcast signal. In anotherembodiment, the MNO 50 receives both the primary and NRT content andprovides the same to the reception apparatus 20 d via the cellularnetwork, for example via an eMBMS broadcast.

The cloud-based storage system 40 is configured to store a copy of theNRT content for access on demand. Although the cloud-based storagesystem 40 is illustrated as a separate component in FIG. 1, in anotherembodiment, the cloud-based storage system 40 or storage functionthereof is incorporated in the content source 10 or MNO 50. In otherembodiments, the cloud-based storage system 40 or storage functionthereof is incorporated in a consumer electronics device (e.g., a PC,another reception apparatus, etc.). The cloud-based storage system 40 isconfigured to automatically store NRT content provided by the contentsource 10, and/or store NRT content in response to a user request.

Fees can be assessed for the NRT content using one or a combination ofthe Purchase Item Table (PIT) and Purchase Terms and Channel Table(PTCT) defined in ATSC standard A/103. The PIT has entries which definea purchase item which can be a service or content. This can be thoughtof as a list of possible tagged items offered for sale. The PTCTcontains terms of a purchase (price) and channel entries providingcontact information. These two tables are related and can reference eachother to provide billing information to broadcasters when a purchase ismade. These tables are referenced for sending information back to theNRT content provider (e.g., content source 10).

In some embodiments, the NRT content is subject to digital rightsmanagement (DRM), which is handled by the reception apparatus 20 orembedded into the NRT content provided to the reception apparatus 20.For example, the reception apparatus 20 can prohibit the transfer ofreceived NRT content to another device, limit the number of times theon-demand content can be played back, etc.

In some embodiments, NRT content is associated with a triggereddeclarative object (TDO) trigger and/or TDO. In one embodiment, the TDOtrigger identifies a particular TDO to be executed during a primarycontent broadcast. The TDO notifies the user of the availability of theNRT content or causes the reception apparatus 20 to automaticallypresent the NRT content. In another embodiment, the TDO triggeridentifies NRT content to be downloaded in advance.

In one embodiment, the TDO trigger includes primary content and TDOidentifiers. The primary content identifier is used by the receptionapparatus 20 to determine which content the TDO trigger is associatedwith, and the TDO identifier is used by the reception apparatus 20 todetermine which TDO to execute in response to the TDO trigger. Further,in one embodiment, the TDO trigger references the location where anassociated TDO may be acquired, such as a file name or identifier for afile that has already been downloaded via NRT services.

The TDO is a downloadable software object. Generally, such objects havedeclarative content (e.g., text, graphics, scripts, and audio) whosefunction and behavior is tied in some way to the content it isassociated with. The TDO can be stored in the reception apparatus 20 inadvance or retrieved when an associated TDO trigger is activated duringa primary content broadcast. Various standards bodies may defineassociated available behaviors, appearance, trigger actions, andtransport methods for content and metadata for a TDO.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary reception apparatus 20. The receptionapparatus 20 includes a digital television receiver device that isincorporated into a fixed or mobile device such as a television set, aset top box, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, portable computer, orany other device configured to receive television content.

The reception apparatus 20 includes a tuner/demodulator 202, whichreceives digital television broadcast signals from one or more contentsources (e.g., content source 10) via, for example, a terrestrialbroadcast. Depending on the embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 mayalternatively or additionally be configured to receive a cabletelevision transmission or a satellite broadcast. The tuner/demodulator202 receives an MPEG-2 TS, which is demultiplexed by the demultiplexer206 into audio and video (A/V) streams. The audio is decoded by an audiodecoder 210 and the video is decoded by a video decoder 214. Further,uncompressed A/V data may be received via an uncompressed A/V interface(e.g., a HDMI interface), if available.

In one embodiment, the MPEG-2 TS includes supplemental data such as oneor a combination of closed caption data, a TDO, a TDO trigger, a virtualchannel table, EPG data, NRT content, etc. The supplemental data areseparated out by the demultiplexer 206. However, the A/V content and/orthe supplemental data may be received via the Internet 30 and a networkinterface 226. Further, an instruction to store the NRT content in anexternal device may be sent via the network interface 226.

A storage unit 230 is provided to store the NRT or Internet-deliveredcontent such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). The stored contentcan be played by demultiplexing the content stored in the storage unit230 by the demultiplexer 206 in a manner similar to that of othersources of content. Alternatively, the stored content may be processedand presented to the user by the CPU 238. The storage unit 230 may alsostore any other supplemental data acquired by the reception apparatus20.

The reception apparatus 20 generally operates under control of at leastone processor, such as the CPU 238, which is coupled to a working memory240, program memory 242, and a graphics subsystem 244 via one or morebuses (e.g., bus 250). The CPU 238 receives closed caption data from thedemultiplexer 206 as well as any other supplemental data used forrendering graphics, and passes appropriate instructions and data to thegraphics subsystem 244. The graphics outputted by the graphics subsystem244 are combined with video images by the compositor and video interface260 to produce an output suitable for display on a video display.

Further, the CPU 238 operates to carry out functions of the receptionapparatus 20 including the processing of NRT content, TDO triggers,TDOs, EPG data, etc. For example, the CPU 238 operates to execute scriptobjects (control objects) contained in the TDO, its trigger(s), etc.,using for example a Declarative Object (DO) Engine stored in the programmemory 242.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the CPU 238 may be coupled to anyone or a combination of the reception apparatus 20 resources tocentralize control of one or more functions. In one embodiment, the CPU238 also operates to oversee control of the reception apparatus 20including the tuner/demodulator 202 and other television resources.

A more processor-centric view of the reception apparatus 20 isillustrated in FIG. 3. Storage 230 and memories 240, 242 are depictedcollectively as memory 310. Further, at least one processor 300 includesone or more processing units such as CPU 238. Similarly, the variousdemodulators, decoders, etc., that initially process digital televisionbroadcast signals are collectively depicted as television receiver/tuner330. The reception apparatus 20 further includes a network interface 326and a remote controller 360 which communicates with a remote controllerreceiver interface 350. When the reception apparatus 20 is incorporatedin a mobile device, the remote controller 360 and remote controllerreceiver interface 350 may be replaced with another input interface suchas a keypad, touch screen, etc.

Additionally, a display 380 is connected to a display interface 340,which includes for example the uncompressed A/V interface and/orcompositor 260, and is either a display integral to the receptionapparatus 20 as in a television set or mobile device, or a connecteddisplay device as in the case where the reception apparatus 20 isintegrated into a set-top box.

Memory 310 contains various functional program modules and data. Thememory 310 stores the data used by the reception apparatus 20. Thememory 310 within the reception apparatus 20 can be implemented usingdisc storage form as well as other forms of storage such asnon-transitory storage devices including for example network memorydevices, magnetic storage elements, magneto-optical storage elements,flash memory, core memory and/or other non-volatile storagetechnologies. The term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the mediumitself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on datastorage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

Any received TDO triggers 316, TDOs 318, EPG data 320, and/or NRTcontent 322 can be stored in the memory 310.

In one embodiment, the TDO execution is carried out by a DeclarativeObject (DO) Engine 312, which is also stored in the memory 310. The TDO,when executed by the DO Engine 312, notifies a user of available NRTcontent, notifies the user of a service for storing the NRT content inan external device for subsequent access on demand, causes the receptionapparatus 20 to retrieve and/or present the NRT content, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary MNO 50. The MNO 50 includes a processor402, a memory 410, a communication interface 420, a cellular network430, and a television receiver/tuner 440.

In one embodiment, the MNO 50 is configured to receive, via thetelevision receiver/tuner 440, a digital television broadcast signalbroadcast by a content source 10. The MNO 50 is configured to receiveprimary and/or NRT content for one or more local areas (i.e.,market(s)). The MNO 50, for example via the processor 402, extracts theprimary and/or NRT content from the digital television broadcast signaland provides the primary and/or NRT content to a reception apparatus 20via a cellular network 430.

The MNO 50 is configured to provide the primary content to the receptionapparatus 20, for example when the reception apparatus 20 is not capable(e.g., lacking appropriate hardware or signal strength) of receiving thedigital television broadcast signal. For example, in one embodiment, theprimary and/or NRT content is streamed to or file downloaded by thereception apparatus 20. Further, when the MNO 50 receives primary and/orNRT content from more than one local areas, in one embodiment, the MNO50 is configured to provide the primary and/or NRT content from aparticular local area to the reception apparatus 20 based on one or acombination of predetermined criteria. For example, the MNO 50 may beconfigured to provide the primary and/or NRT content to the receptionapparatus 20 based on a predetermined home market of the receptionapparatus 20.

In other embodiments, the MNO 50 is configured to receive the primaryand/or NRT content via the Internet, a dedicated transmission from thecontent source 10, or other sources such as a cable television provideror satellite television provider. When receiving the primary and/or NRTcontent via the Internet, the primary and/or NRT content may receivedvia streaming or file download using the communication interface 420.

Depending on the embodiment, the MNO 50 provides the primary and/or NRTcontent via one or a combination of an eMBMS broadcast and a mobile datanetwork service (e.g., LTE). In other embodiments, the MNO 50 is,alternatively or additionally, configured to provide the primary and/orNRT content via the Internet (e.g., via WiFi), or other wirelesscommunication methods (e.g., Bluetooth).

Further, in one embodiment, the MNO 50 is configured to facilitatestorage of select NRT content 414, in the memory 410, and subsequentretrieval on demand. In another embodiment, the MNO stores one or moreaddresses identifying locations (e.g., an external server) at which theselect NRT 414 content is stored. In one embodiment, the MNO 50 isfurther configured to store primary content 412 and/or one or moreaddresses identifying locations at which the primary content 42 isstored. Other supplemental content 416 provided with the primary and/orNRT content 412, 414 may also be stored in the memory 410.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configurationof a computer 500 that can be configured to perform functions of any oneor a combination of the content source 10, reception apparatus 20,cloud-based storage system 40, MNO 50, and external storage device.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the computer 500 includes a central processingunit (CPU) 502, read only memory (ROM) 504, and a random access memory(RAM) 506 interconnected to each other via one or more buses 508. Theone or more buses 508 are further connected with an input-outputinterface 510. The input-output interface 510 is connected with an inputportion 512 formed by a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, remotecontroller, etc. The input-output interface 510 is also connected to anoutput portion 514 formed by an audio interface, video interface,display, speaker, etc.; a recording portion 516 formed by a hard disk, anon-volatile memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium; a communication portion 518 formed by a network interface,modem, USB interface, fire wire interface, etc.; and a drive 520 fordriving removable media 522 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc.

According to one embodiment, the CPU 502 loads a program stored in therecording portion 516 into the RAM 506 via the input-output interface510 and the bus 508, and then executes a program configured to providethe functionality of the one or combination of the content source 10,reception apparatus 20, cloud-based storage system 40, and MNO 50.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system for providing NRT contentincluded in a digital television broadcast signal to a plurality ofdifferent types of reception apparatuses 20 f-20 l. The system enablesreception apparatuses to share NRT content to allow faster access and/orhave smaller memory requirements. As described below, in one embodiment,the NRT content is stored based on user preferences, such as userviewing habits. However, in some cases, new NRT content could beaccessed more quickly if another local device already has it stored asopposed to, for example, waiting for a broadcast trickle download.

In one embodiment, the content source 10 provides next generationtelevision services (e.g., ATSC 2.0 services, NRT and Internetconnection interfacing) such as one or a combination of auxiliaryinformation, multi-view user interfaces, interactivity andpersonalization, enhancements to programs due to Internet connectivity,and the NRT content, in addition to traditional television services(e.g., television programs).

Each of the reception apparatuses 20 f-20 l is of a stationary (fixed)or mobile receiver type. The reception apparatuses 20 f-20 l areconfigured to receive NRT content included in the digital televisionbroadcast signal by receiving the digital television broadcast signaland downloading, or otherwise retrieving, the NRT content from thedigital television broadcast signal.

A return channel may be provided for any of the reception apparatuses 20f-20 l. In one embodiment, the return channel is an Internet returnchannel that is consistent with the ATSC A/153 standard. Although meantfor mobile receivers, such an Internet return channel also applies tostationary receivers which also decode the broadcasted primary and/orNRT content. The Internet return channel allows a broadcaster (e.g.,content source 10) to get audience measurements like what is beingwatched; when. It also provides a path for key delivery to unlockprotected content (DRM), billing information, etc.

In one embodiment, the reception apparatuses 20 f, 20 g receive the NRTcontent using a FLUTE demultiplexer to separate out IP packet (DigitalStorage Media Command and Control (DSMCC)) content, a Service Map Table(SMT), NRT-Information Table (NRT-IT), FLUTE Description Table (FDT)Parser to filter the NRT content, and FDT with NRT Metadata ID toproduce the NRT content (MPEG-2 transport/IP video/NRT Metadata/etc.).For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, a program has an associatedProgram Identification (PID) value which is used to tie audio/videocontent together for presentation, or in this case indicate an IP packetencapsulated into an MPEG-2 transport (DSMCC). Inside that IP packet aresource/destination IP addresses which show broadcaster/user internetlocation addresses which go into the SMT. An NRT content description isalso included in the packet and a NRT-IT table is filled up with thatinformation which can point to the URL locations of FLUTE supplied NRTMetadata (FDT).

The reception apparatuses 20 i-20 l are configured to receive the NRTcontent included in the digital television broadcast signal via an MNO50, or other intermediary system that is configured to provide the NRTcontent included in the digital television broadcast signal to thereception apparatuses 20 i-20 l.

The MNO 50 is configured to receive the digital television broadcastsignal and download, or otherwise retrieve, the NRT content, or receivea Transport Stream (TS) or Internet packets including the NRT contentfrom the content source 10 (e.g., a broadcaster) via anothercommunication means such as a direct link or the Internet. In oneembodiment, the MNO 50 is configured to store one or a combination of aSMT, NRT-IT, FDT (NRT metadata), store NRT content, open ports for NRTcontent capture/interactive communication. In another embodiment, theMNO could put the burden on the reception apparatus 20 and pass alongthe NRT-IT, FLUTE FDT, NRT data descriptions/content to the receptionapparatus 20 to store the data. As described above, each program has anassociated PID value which is used to tie audio/video content togetherfor presentation, or in this case indicate an IP packet encapsulatedinto an MPEG-2 transport (DSMCC). The MNO 50 can decide whether to passon the IP packets to receivers (e.g., reception apparatuses 20 i-20 k)or decode them and store the information (e.g., FMT, NRT-IT, etc.) whichcan be referenced by the receivers. Each MNO can decide on how muchcontrol they want. Inside the IP packet are source/destination IPaddresses which show broadcaster/user internet location addresses whichgo into the SMT. NRT content description is also included in the packetand a NRT-IT table is filled up with that information which can point tothe URL locations of FLUTE supplied NRT Metadata (FDT).

In one embodiment, any of the reception apparatuses 20 f-20 l have threeways to get NRT content. One is the content source 10 (e.g., thebroadcaster) forces the NRT content to be stored on the respectivereception apparatus (PUSH) which the user can browse through later.Another is to send a table of contents as it were for the user to browsethrough and download content of interest (BROWSE and DOWNLOAD). Or aPortal can be opened which the user can use to download NRT data storedat the content source 10 (PORTAL).

The content source 10 may be configured to broadcast the primary and/orNRT content in accordance with any one or a combination of the ATSCA/53, A/103, and A/153 Standards.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a system for providing NRT contentincluded in a digital television broadcast signal to a plurality ofdifferent types of reception apparatuses 20 f-20 n. Since the NRTcontent can be stored by any combination of the plurality of receptionapparatuses 20 f-20 n that are part of one or more subnets of addresses,storage across one or a combination of the plurality of receptionapparatuses 20 f-20 n is utilized to retrieve the NRT content.Therefore, instead of limiting the NRT content to one location (e.g.,the digital television broadcast signal), it is distributed across aplurality of locations.

In one embodiment, one or more of the reception apparatuses 20 f-20 nautomatically downloads NRT content based on user preferences (e.g.,user viewing habits, specific request, etc.). For example, the receptionapparatus 20 f automatically downloads the NRT content associated with apredetermined number of most frequently viewed television channels,favorite television programs, viewing times, etc. When the NRT contentis not automatically downloaded and is to be presented to the user(e.g., in response to a user request), in one embodiment, the receptionapparatus 20 f trickle downloads the NRT content from a digitaltelevision signal broadcast carrying the NRT content.

However, in some cases, the NRT content can be downloaded from anotherreception apparatus (or other external device) in a shorter period oftime. Accordingly, the reception apparatus 20 f is configured todetermine whether the NRT content can be downloaded from anotherreception apparatus that is accessible to the reception apparatus 20 fand to download the selected NRT content from the other receptionapparatus, if possible. In another embodiment, the reception apparatus20 f estimates the times required to trickle download the NRT contentfrom the broadcast and another reception apparatus, and downloads theNRT content from the one of the broadcast or the other receptionapparatus based on the shortest estimated download time.

Accordingly, when a reception apparatus 20 f determines that selectedNRT content is not stored locally, the reception apparatus 20 f isconfigured to communicate with other reception apparatuses (e.g.,reception apparatus 20 g) to determine whether the NRT content can bedownloaded from the other reception apparatus. Depending on theembodiment, the reception apparatus 20 f may be limited to communicatingonly with other reception apparatuses associated with the same user,household, community, service provider, subnet, etc.

For example, when a user of a reception apparatus 20 f wants to watch amovie which has already been downloaded by another reception apparatus(e.g., a neighbor's reception apparatus 20 m), the reception apparatus20 f downloads, or retrieves via other methods such as streaming, themovie from the other reception apparatus 20 m.

The download of NRT content from another reception apparatus or thebroadcast also applies to mobile devices, such as smartphones thatcommunicate with the MNO, although storage capacity in mobile devicescan be limited. In one embodiment, the mobile devices (e.g., receptionapparatuses 20 i-20 l) access the primary and/or NRT content from acommon external storage area (e.g., a predetermined external device)which is known by the MNO 50 or the mobile devices themselves.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of a reception apparatus20 to access NRT content. In step S802, when the reception apparatus 20is equipped with a digital television broadcast receiver, the receptionapparatus 20 receives a digital television broadcast signal broadcastfrom a content source 10. In step S804, the reception apparatus 20downloads a subset, or all, of the NRT content included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast from the content source 10. In oneembodiment, the reception apparatus 20 is configured to receive digitaltelevision broadcast signals from a plurality of content sources and todownload a subset of the NRT content included in one or a combination ofthe digital television broadcast signals.

In another embodiment, when the reception apparatus 20 is not equippedwith a digital television broadcast receiver, the reception apparatus 20is configured to receive the NRT content from an eMBMS signal broadcastfrom the MNO 50. In one embodiment, the eMBMS signal is allocated onecarrier within an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)signal to be received by a plurality of mobile devices (e.g., receptionapparatuses 20 i-20 k). Further, in one embodiment the eMBMS signalincludes the same information (e.g., same IP packets) included in thedigital television broadcast signal, such as the primary and/or NRTcontent. In another embodiment, the eMBMS signal only includes theprimary content. In this embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 receivesan eMBMS signal in step S802 and optionally downloads the subset of NRTcontent included in the eMBMS signal in step S804.

In step S806, the reception apparatus 20 receives a selection of the NRTcontent included in the digital television broadcast signal broadcast bythe content source 10. The reception apparatus 20 receives the selectionfrom a user or determines the NRT selection automatically usingpredetermined criteria. For example, the reception apparatus may beconfigured to determine the selection based on any one or a combinationof user preference information and information included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal (e.g., a trigger or TDO).

In step S808, the reception apparatus 20 determines whether the selectedNRT content is stored locally in memory, or at a predetermined location.The reception apparatus 20 determines whether the selected NRT contentis stored locally using, for example, an NRT identifier associated withthe selected NRT content. The NRT identifier uniquely identifiesassociated NRT content. In one embodiment, the NRT identifier isacquired from a Service Signaling Channel (SSC) included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal. In one embodiment, the NRT identifier isservice identifier included in the SSC or other identifying informationincluded in an NRT Information Table (NRT-IT) extracted from the SSC.Other embodiments of the NRT identifier are illustrated in FIG. 16 andinclude the service ID (which points to the NRT-IT), an IconContent-Linkage which directly points to FLUTE description table contentshowing content addresses, and/or NRT metadata which can be filteredout.

When the selected NRT content is determined to be stored locally in stepS808, the reception apparatus 20 performs no further action with respectto the selected NRT content until presentation or other action (e.g.,remote storage) is requested. However, when the reception apparatus 20determines in step S808 that the NRT content is not stored in memory,the reception apparatus 20 proceeds to step S810. In step S810, thereception apparatus 20 determines whether the selected NRT content canbe downloaded from an external device (e.g., another reception apparatusor other consumer electronics device) that is accessible to thereception apparatus 20 via one or more communication networks. Anexample of this determination is described below with respect to FIG.10.

When the selected NRT content is determined to be downloadable from anexternal device, the reception apparatus 20 downloads, or otherwiseretrieves, the selected NRT content from the external device in stepS812. In one embodiment, the selected NRT content may be streamed fromthe external device. In another embodiment, one or more NRT contentfiles are downloaded from the external device When the selected NRTcontent is determined not to be downloadable from an external device,the reception apparatus 20 trickle downloads the selected NRT contentfrom the digital television broadcast signal broadcast by the contentsource 10 or the eMBMS signal broadcast by the MNO 50.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for selectionof NRT content. In step S902, the reception apparatus 20 receives a listof NRT content broadcast from the content source 10. In one embodiment,the list of NRT content is extracted from the SSC of a digitaltelevision broadcast signal. In another embodiment, the list of NRTcontent is provided as supplemental information in association withprimary content. For example, the list of NRT content may be provided bya TDO.

The list of the NRT content is displayed to a user of the receptionapparatus 20 in step S904. The user navigates through the list to selectNRT content of interest. When the user makes a selection from the listof NRT content, the reception apparatus 20 receives the selection of theNRT content in step S906. In other embodiments, the reception apparatus20 performs the NRT content selection.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of a receptionapparatus 20 for determining whether NRT content can be downloaded, orotherwise retrieved, from an external device. As illustrated in FIG. 10,in step S1002, the reception apparatus 20 determines whether selectedNRT content can be downloaded from an external device connected to thesame subnet as the reception apparatus 20. When the reception apparatus20 determines that the selected NRT content can be downloaded from anexternal device on the same subnet, in step S1004, the receptionapparatus proceeds to download, or otherwise retrieve, the selected NRTcontent from the external device.

In step S1006, the reception apparatus 20 determines whether theselected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device onanother subnet when the selected NRT content is determined not to bedownloadable from an external device on the same subnet. Whendownloadable, the reception apparatus 20 proceeds to step S1008 anddownloads, or otherwise retrieves, the selected NRT content from theexternal device on the other subnet. When the NRT content is determinednot to be downloadable from the other subnet, in step S1010, thereception apparatus 20 determines if there are any remaining subnets tosearch. The reception apparatus 20 returns to step S1006 if there isanother subnet to search, otherwise the reception apparatus 20terminates the determination process.

For example, a search engine in the reception apparatus 20 may beconfigured to start with a user's network prefix and only search forhost devices within that prefix. If a host device containing the NRTcontent is not found, the search engine opens up the next closestnetwork prefix and so on in a search for the NRT content. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 15, for IPv4, there are 4 byte addresses. Thesearch engine will keep the MSB byte and 2 middle bytes the same andstart altering the LSB byte address in a search for NRT content. ThisLSB byte address keeps the internet search close to the user's location.Then the search can expand up into the upper bytes.

In one embodiment, each network prefix would look for the SSC (storedlocally with the IP address, for example, 224.0.23.60) and quickly learnof NRT content availability. The search could be binary based or basedon other methods to find the NRT content quickly. That IP address hasNRT-IT information which houses content addresses. Either work from theusers' IP address or this one or follow the NRT-IT tables of other closedevices (e.g., reception apparatuses) to search for content.

In one embodiment, the search engine is configured to follow NRT-ITinformation stored on other peoples' devices. (Keep a record of thestored table of content addresses).

In one embodiment, the FLUTE FDT is formatted in a way for quick IPaddress selection. For example, the search engine filters for apredetermined field illustrated in FIG. 16. In one embodiment, thesearch engine filters for id3 (Icon Content-Linkage) which is housed inthe SMT-MH table directly to speed up the search process.

Once a content location is known, a reception apparatus 20 is configuredto ask for the content (IP protocol) at the source (known contentlocation) from the user (receiver internet address). IP protocol isfollowed to retrieve the information.

In one embodiment, when the NRT content is determined to be downloadablefrom a plurality of external devices, the reception apparatus 20 selectsone of the plurality of external devices based on a one or a combinationcriteria such as connection speed, priority information, etc.

As described above, one or more subnets for NRT can be expanded toinclude external devices. This is subject to personal firewalls and userpreferences being open to allow devices to search for NRT content.Further, in one embodiment, when the NRT content is simply referred toby an IP address, then it is open to the Internet space where the NRTcontent can be retained.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary system for storing NRT content forsubsequent access. In one embodiment, the NRT content is stored suchthat it is accessible on demand. In other embodiments, the NRT contentmay be forwarded to another user or designated destination.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which the reception apparatus 20 isa mobile device. However, the storing of NRT content is equallyapplicable to fixed devices configured to receive content in a digitaltelevision broadcast signal. For example, while watching NRT content ona mobile device, through eMBMS or ATSC Mobile DTV (e.g., ATSC A/153), auser is able to store the NRT content in an external device (e.g.,cloud-based storage system 40) for future viewing and avoid locallystoring the NRT content on the reception apparatus 20, which is likelyto have limited memory.

In one embodiment, the NRT content includes next generation televisionservices (e.g., ATSC 2.0 services), as described above. The ATSC 2.0 NRTspecification, ATSC A/103 calls for data to be stored. Local storage ofNRT content is possible if the NRT content is small or if the receptionapparatus 20 can support a fair amount of memory. However, when thereception apparatus 20 is, for example, a mobile device, memory may be acritical element and costly. In this case, local storage of NRT contentmay not be possible.

A content source 10 provides the NRT content, via broadcast or theInternet, to one or a combination of a reception apparatus 20, LTE MNO50 a, and cloud-based storage system 40. In one embodiment, the NRTcontent provided over the Internet is delivered using the File Deliveryover Unidirectional Transport protocol. The reception apparatus 20 isconfigured to receive the NRT content via one or a combination a digitaltelevision broadcast signal (e.g., ATSC A/153 Mobile DTV signal), aneMBMS signal broadcast from the LTE MNO 50 a, and a data service (e.g.,smart phone data service) provided by an MNO 50 b. However, any one or acombination of MNOs can be configured to provide the eMBMS broadcast andsmartphone data services.

The reception apparatus 20 is configured to store the NRT content forsubsequent access via the data service provided by the MNO 50 b. Inresponse to receiving a request to store the NRT content in an externaldevice (e.g., the cloud-based storage system 40), the receptionapparatus 20 is configured to send an instruction to store the NRTcontent in the external device via the data service. Depending on theembodiment, the reception apparatus 20 may or may not send the NRTcontent itself to the external device.

For example, when the NRT content is stored in the reception apparatus20, the reception apparatus 20 is configured to provide the NRT contentto the external device for storage. In another example, when theexternal device (e.g., the cloud-based storage device 40) is configuredto receive the NRT content from the content source 10, the receptionapparatus 20 may simply notify the external device as to which NRTcontent to store. Alternatively, when the MNO 50 b is configured toreceive the NRT content from the content source 10, in one embodiment,the reception apparatus 20 instructs the MNO 50 b to forward the NRTcontent to the cloud-based storage system 40. Although illustratedseparately, in one embodiment, the cloud-based storage system 40 may beincorporated into the MNO 50 b or any other device (e.g., anotherreception apparatus 20, a consumer electronics device, etc.) Theexternal device may be any networked device that is capable of storingthe NRT content.

In one embodiment, the reception apparatus 20, or other consumerelectronics device, accesses the stored NRT content files using filedelivery via FLUTE as defined for example in RFC 3926, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments,the NRT content is streamed via Dynamic Adaptive Streaming for HTTP(DASH) or Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) over an IP network.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of a receptionapparatus 20 for storing NRT content in an external device forsubsequent access on demand. In step S1202, the reception apparatus 20receives NRT content included in a digital television broadcast signalbroadcast from a content source 10. The reception apparatus 20 receivesthe NRT content by receiving the digital television broadcast signal, anEMBMS broadcast from an MNO 50, or data from an intermediary system.

In step S1204, the reception apparatus 20 stores the received NRTcontent in a memory of the reception apparatus 20. In one embodiment,the reception apparatus 20 determines whether the storage capacity ofthe memory of the reception apparatus 20 is sufficient to store the NRTcontent prior to storing the received NRT content in the memory, asillustrated in FIG. 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the reception apparatus 20 determines whetherthe storage capacity of the memory of the reception apparatus 20 issufficient in step S1302. When the storage capacity of the memory isdetermined to be sufficient, in step S1304, the reception apparatus 20stores the received NRT content in the memory of the reception apparatus20. However, when the storage capacity of the memory is determined to beinsufficient, in step S1306 the reception apparatus 20 instructs anexternal device (e.g., the cloud-based storage system 40), eitherdirectly or through an intermediary system, to store the NRT contentbroadcast from the content source for subsequent streaming to thereception apparatus 20 or another device. As described above, the NRTcontent can be streamed via, for example, DASH or RTP over an IPnetwork.

In step S1206, the reception apparatus 20 outputs the NRT content storedin the memory for presentation to a user of the reception apparatus 20.In one embodiment, the NRT content is presented during an associatedprimary content broadcast. Depending on the embodiment, the NRT contentis presented in response to a request from the user or according to apredetermined schedule set by, for example, the NRT content provider.

In other embodiments, the reception apparatus 20 skips steps S1204 andS1206. For example, the reception apparatus 20 skips step S1204 when theexternal device can receive the NRT content from a source different fromthe reception apparatus 20. Further, the reception apparatus 20, in oneembodiment, skips step S1206 upon receipt of a request to store the NRTcontent for presentation at a later date.

In step S1208, the reception apparatus 20 receives a request to storethe NRT content in the external device. The external device may beselected from a list of available devices, designated by user at thetime of the request, or predetermined. For example, a user of thereception apparatus 20 may have previously registered a cloud-basedstorage account to which the NRT content is to be stored. However, asdescribed above, the NRT content may be stored in any networked externaldevice (e.g., content source 10, another reception apparatus 20, MNO 50,etc.)

In response to receiving the request to store the NRT content in theexternal device, in step S1210, the reception apparatus 20 sends aninstruction via a communication network (e.g., the Internet, a cellularnetwork, a home network, etc.) to store the NRT content in the externaldevice. Depending on the embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 may ormay not send the NRT content concurrently with or after the request. Forexample, when the NRT content is stored in the memory of the receptionapparatus 20, the reception apparatus 20 sends the NRT content alongwith any necessary account information to store the NRT content in theexternal device. In other embodiments, the reception apparatus 20instructs an intermediary system to send the NRT content to the externaldevice or instructs the external device to download, or otherwiseretrieve, the NRT content. For example, the external device may beconfigured to receive the digital television broadcast signal and todownload selected NRT content from the digital television broadcastsignal.

In one embodiment, content can be stored in a local home computer thatstreams the NRT content (e.g., large movie size files) to the receptionapparatus 20 or another designated device (e.g., a big screentelevision).

Further, in one embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 determineswhether the external device has sufficient memory to store the NRTcontent prior to sending the storage request or the NRT content. Forexample, the reception apparatus 20 may request the available storagespace from one or more external devices and either automatically selectan appropriate external device or display the storage options to a userof the reception apparatus 20. Further, the user may register a newexternal device or storage account to store the NRT content.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary MPEG-2 TS. Primary content included inthe MPEG-2 TS are described with a Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table(TVCT), which is generated by the reception apparatus 20. Thesub-channels, in the TVCT, from a broadcaster (8.1, 8.2, 8.3 forexample) are filled in by the reception apparatus 20. The channellisting (e.g., 5.1, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 10.1, 12.1, 12.2, 15.1) is this TVCT.It is generated by each reception apparatus 20 (e.g., TV receiver). Thereception apparatus 20 fills this table in when it does a scan of thespectrum to find broadcast channels. The MPEG-2 TS includes ProgramAssociation Tables that list all primary content available in the MPEG-2TS. Each primary content in the PAT has an associated PID for its PMT.The PMT provides information such as a program number and lists ofelementary streams that comprise the program. Each program within achannel is described by a PMT which has a unique PID. Elementary streamsassociated with that program have PIDs listed in that PMT and thereception apparatus 20 only has to decode the payload of certain PIDs toreceive all content for a program. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 14,some data in the PID could have a DSMCC description which containsdatagram data bytes for NRT content.

In one embodiment, NRT content and metadata, for example as outlined inFIG. 16 (under Content #1), are tunneled into MPEG-2 transport streamsvia the use of, for example, ATSC A/90 and A/92 standards, which providea way to package IP packets into an MPEG-2 TS. Examples of metadatainclude secondary audio channels, emergency service alerts, furtherinformation from the program, etc. The NRT content is described via theuse of tables which are located at a certain IP address (e.g.,224.0.23.60) on port 4937, which is referred to as an SSC. This addressis registered with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority so it isaccessible from any device. The SSC contains a SMT, NRT-IT and TextFragment Table (TFT), as illustrated in FIG. 16, to describe the NRTcontent and where it is located. The NRT-IT contains NRT metadata which(one piece) has content linkage information which points to an FDTcontaining the location of NRT content (whether locally or externally toa device). An application processor (e.g., processor 300) of thereception apparatus 20 knows the receiver IP address and differentiatesit from received content address locations.

The FLUTE FDT table usually has the local memory location of services(e.g., television programs, video/audio, NRT content, interactiveportals, etc.), IP addresses for RSS feeds or other NRT related data.

As described above, certain embodiments of the present disclosure allowa reception apparatus 20 to search for content on other near-by IP basedlocations. Thus, the need for large memories in the reception apparatus20 to provide NRT content such as next generation broadcast services isreduced.

Further, as described above in one embodiment, NRT content is trickledownloaded to a reception apparatus 20. When the reception apparatus 20is memory constrained, not all NRT content from all digital televisionchannels are stored. Instead, only the NRT content for televisionchannels most viewed by a user. Thus, in one embodiment, the memorystorage is based on user viewing habits. When a user explores othertelevision channels, the NRT could would have to be trickle downloadedto that device again from the corresponding content source 10. However,if a neighbor has that NRT content available, it can be recognized bythe reception apparatus 20 and quickly accessed for viewing without theneed to wait for a trickle download of the NRT content.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary IP packet for the NRT content. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the packet includes source/destinationaddresses.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the information provided by the SSC inaccordance with the ATSC standard A/103. Just like PAT describesservices in a TS, the NRT-IT describes where NRT services are located atcertain IP addresses. Each content ID (elementary service) is referencedin a FLUTE FDT. The TFT is not necessary, but provides more informationabout the content.

The various processes discussed above need not be processedchronologically and/or in the sequence depicted as flowcharts; the stepsmay also include those processed in parallel or individually (e.g., inparalleled or object-oriented fashion).

Also, the programs may be processed by a single computer or by aplurality of computers on a distributed basis. The programs may also betransferred to a remote computer or computers for execution.

Furthermore, in this specification, the term “system” means an aggregateof a plurality of component elements (apparatuses, modules (parts),etc.). All component elements may or may not be housed in a singleenclosure. Therefore, a plurality of apparatuses each housed in aseparate enclosure and connected via a network are considered a network,and a single apparatus formed by a plurality of modules housed in asingle enclosure are also regarded as a system.

Also, it should be understood that this technology when embodied is notlimited to the above-described embodiments and that variousmodifications, variations and alternatives may be made of thistechnology so far as they are within the spirit and scope thereof.

For example, this technology may be structured for cloud computingwhereby a single function is shared and processed in collaboration amonga plurality of apparatuses via a network.

Also, each of the steps explained in reference to the above-describedflowcharts may be executed not only by a single apparatus but also by aplurality of apparatuses in a shared manner.

Furthermore, if one step includes a plurality of processes, theseprocesses included in the step may be performed not only by a singleapparatus but also by a plurality of apparatuses in a shared manner.

In one embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 includes one or acombination of hardware and preinstalled programming to perform themethods described in the present disclosure. In other embodiments, oneor a combination of the methods are performed by at least one TDOreceived and executed by the reception apparatus 20.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The above disclosure also encompasses the embodiments noted below.

(1) A reception apparatus, including a receiver configured to receivenon-real-time (NRT) content included in a digital television broadcastsignal broadcast from a content source; a memory configured to store theNRT content; at least one processor configured to receive a selection ofthe NRT content; to determine whether the selected NRT content is storedin the memory, when the at least one processor determines that theselected NRT content is not stored in the memory, to determine whetherthe selected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device thatis accessible via a communication network, and when the at least oneprocessor determines that the selected NRT content can be downloadedfrom an external device that is accessible via the communicationnetwork, to download the selected NRT content from the external device.

(2) The reception apparatus of feature (1), in which the at least oneprocessor is configured, when the at least one processor determines thatthe selected NRT content cannot be downloaded from an external devicethat is accessible via the communication network, to download theselected NRT content from the digital television broadcast signalbroadcast by the content source.

(3) The reception apparatus of feature (1) or (2), in which the receiveris configured to receive a list of the NRT content broadcast from thecontent source, and the at least one processor is configured to receivethe selection of the NRT content from the list of the NRT content.

(4) The reception apparatus of any of features (1) to (3), in which thereception apparatus is a mobile device, the receiver is configured toreceive the NRT content from a mobile network operator (MNO) thatreceives the digital television broadcast signal broadcast from thecontent source and downloads the NRT content from the digital televisionbroadcast signal, and the at least one processor is configured todownload the selected NRT content from the external device associatedwith the MNO.

(5) The reception apparatus of feature (4), in which the at least oneprocessor is configured, when the at least one processor determines thatthe selected NRT content cannot be downloaded from an external devicethat is accessible via the communication network, to download theselected NRT content from an evolved Multicast Broadcast MultimediaService (eMBMS) signal broadcast from the MNO.

(6) The reception apparatus of any of features (1) to (5), in which thecontent source is a digital television broadcaster, the receiver isconfigured to receive the digital television broadcast signal, includingthe NRT content, from the content source, and the at least one processoris configured to determine whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network based on identification information included in aService Signaling Channel (SSC) of the digital television broadcastsignal broadcast from the content source.

(7) The reception apparatus of any of features (1) to (6), in which theNRT content is associated with primary content included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast from the content source, and thereceiver is configured to receive the digital television broadcastsignal that includes the NRT content and the primary content.

(8) The reception apparatus of any of features (1) to (7), in which theat least one processor is configured to determine whether the selectedNRT content can be downloaded from an external device connected to asame subnet as the reception apparatus, and when the at least oneprocessor determines that the selected NRT content cannot be downloadedfrom an external device connected to the same subnet as the receptionapparatus, to determine whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device connected to another subnet differentfrom the subnet of the reception apparatus.

(9) The reception apparatus of any of features (1) to (8), in which theat least one processor is configured to store a subset of the NRTcontent included in the digital television broadcast signal broadcastfrom the content source based on user preference information.

(10) A method of a reception apparatus for accessing non-real-time (NRT)content, the method including receiving, by a processor of the receptionapparatus, a selection of the NRT content included in a digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast by a content source; determiningwhether the selected NRT content is stored in a memory of the receptionapparatus; when the selected NRT content is determined not to be storedin the memory, determining whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device that is accessible via acommunication network; and when the selected NRT content is determinedto be downloadable from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network, downloading the selected NRT content from theexternal device.

(11) The method of feature (10), further including when the selected NRTcontent is determined not to be downloadable from an external devicethat is accessible via the communication network, downloading theselected NRT content from the digital television broadcast signalbroadcast by the content source.

(12) The method of feature (10) or (11), further including receiving, bya receiver of the reception apparatus, a list of the NRT contentbroadcast from the content source, in which the step of receiving theselection includes receiving the selection of the NRT content from thelist of the NRT content.

(13) The method of any of features (10) to (12), in which the receptionapparatus is a mobile device, and the step of downloading the selectedNRT content from the external device includes downloading the selectedNRT content from the external device associated with a mobile networkoperator (MNO) that receives the digital television broadcast signal anddownloads the NRT content from the digital television broadcast signal.

(14) The method of feature (13), further including when the selected NRTcontent is determined not to be downloadable from an external devicethat is accessible via the communication network, downloading theselected NRT content from an evolved Multicast Broadcast MultimediaService (eMBMS) signal broadcast from the MNO.

(15) The method of any of features (10) to (14), in which the contentsource is a digital television broadcaster, and the method furtherincludes receiving, by the reception apparatus, the digital televisionbroadcast signal, including the NRT content, from the content source,and determining whether the selected NRT content is downloadable from anexternal device that is accessible via the communication network basedon identification information included in a Service Signaling Channel(SSC) of the digital television broadcast signal broadcast from thecontent source.

(16) The method of any of features (10) to (15), in which the NRTcontent is associated with primary content included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast from the content source, and themethod further includes receiving, by the reception apparatus, thedigital television broadcast signal that includes the NRT content andthe primary content.

(17) The method of any of features (10) to (16), in which the step ofdetermining whether the selected NRT content can be downloaded from anexternal device that is accessible via the communication networkincludes determining whether the selected NRT content can be downloadedfrom an external device connected to a same subnet as the receptionapparatus, and when the selected NRT content is determined not to bedownloadable from an external device connected to the same subnet as thereception apparatus, determining whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device connected to another subnet differentfrom the subnet of the reception apparatus.

(18) The method of any of features (10) to (17), further includingstoring, in the memory, a subset of the NRT content included in thedigital television broadcast signal broadcast from the content sourcebased on user preference information.

(19) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embeddedtherein instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause thecomputer to perform a method for accessing non-real-time (NRT) content,the method including receiving, by a processor of a reception apparatus,a selection of the NRT content included in a digital televisionbroadcast signal broadcast by a content source; determining whether theselected NRT content is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus;when the selected NRT content is determined not to be stored in thememory, determining whether the selected NRT content can be downloadedfrom an external device that is accessible via a communication network;and when the selected NRT content is determined to be downloadable froman external device that is accessible via the communication network,downloading the selected NRT content from the external device.

1. A reception apparatus, comprising: a receiver configured to receivenon-real-time (NRT) content included in a digital television broadcastsignal broadcast from a content source; a memory configured to store theNRT content; at least one processor configured to receive a selection ofthe NRT content; to determine whether the selected NRT content is storedin the memory, when the at least one processor determines that theselected NRT content is not stored in the memory, to determine whetherthe selected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device thatis accessible via a communication network, and when the at least oneprocessor determines that the selected NRT content can be downloadedfrom an external device that is accessible via the communicationnetwork, to download the selected NRT content from the external device.2. The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone processor is configured, when the at least one processor determinesthat the selected NRT content cannot be downloaded from an externaldevice that is accessible via the communication network, to download theselected NRT content from the digital television broadcast signalbroadcast by the content source.
 3. The reception apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a list of the NRTcontent broadcast from the content source, and the at least oneprocessor is configured to receive the selection of the NRT content fromthe list of the NRT content.
 4. The reception apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the reception apparatus is a mobile device, thereceiver is configured to receive the NRT content from a mobile networkoperator (MNO) that receives the digital television broadcast signalbroadcast from the content source and downloads the NRT content from thedigital television broadcast signal, and the at least one processor isconfigured to download the selected NRT content from the external deviceassociated with the MNO.
 5. The reception apparatus according to claim4, wherein the at least one processor is configured, when the at leastone processor determines that the selected NRT content cannot bedownloaded from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network, to download the selected NRT content from anevolved Multicast Broadcast Multimedia Service (eMBMS) signal broadcastfrom the MNO.
 6. The reception apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe content source is a digital television broadcaster, the receiver isconfigured to receive the digital television broadcast signal, includingthe NRT content, from the content source, and the at least one processoris configured to determine whether the selected NRT content can bedownloaded from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network based on identification information included in aService Signaling Channel (SSC) of the digital television broadcastsignal broadcast from the content source.
 7. The reception apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the NRT content is associated with primarycontent included in the digital television broadcast signal broadcastfrom the content source, and the receiver is configured to receive thedigital television broadcast signal that includes the NRT content andthe primary content.
 8. The reception apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine whetherthe selected NRT content can be downloaded from an external deviceconnected to a same subnet as the reception apparatus, and when the atleast one processor determines that the selected NRT content cannot bedownloaded from an external device connected to the same subnet as thereception apparatus, to determine whether the selected NRT content canbe downloaded from an external device connected to another subnetdifferent from the subnet of the reception apparatus.
 9. The receptionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to store a subset of the NRT content included in the digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast from the content source based onuser preference information.
 10. A method of a reception apparatus foraccessing non-real-time (NRT) content, the method comprising: receiving,by a processor of the reception apparatus, a selection of the NRTcontent included in a digital television broadcast signal broadcast by acontent source; determining whether the selected NRT content is storedin a memory of the reception apparatus; when the selected NRT content isdetermined not to be stored in the memory, determining whether theselected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device that isaccessible via a communication network; and when the selected NRTcontent is determined to be downloadable from an external device that isaccessible via the communication network, downloading the selected NRTcontent from the external device.
 11. The method according to claim 10,further comprising: when the selected NRT content is determined not tobe downloadable from an external device that is accessible via thecommunication network, downloading the selected NRT content from thedigital television broadcast signal broadcast by the content source. 12.The method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving, by areceiver of the reception apparatus, a list of the NRT content broadcastfrom the content source, wherein the step of receiving the selectionincludes receiving the selection of the NRT content from the list of theNRT content.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the receptionapparatus is a mobile device, and the step of downloading the selectedNRT content from the external device includes downloading the selectedNRT content from the external device associated with a mobile networkoperator (MNO) that receives the digital television broadcast signal anddownloads the NRT content from the digital television broadcast signal.14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: when theselected NRT content is determined not to be downloadable from anexternal device that is accessible via the communication network,downloading the selected NRT content from an evolved Multicast BroadcastMultimedia Service (eMBMS) signal broadcast from the MNO.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the content source is a digitaltelevision broadcaster, and the method further includes receiving, bythe reception apparatus, the digital television broadcast signal,including the NRT content, from the content source, and determiningwhether the selected NRT content is downloadable from an external devicethat is accessible via the communication network based on identificationinformation included in a Service Signaling Channel (SSC) of the digitaltelevision broadcast signal broadcast from the content source.
 16. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the NRT content is associated withprimary content included in the digital television broadcast signalbroadcast from the content source, and the method further includesreceiving, by the reception apparatus, the digital television broadcastsignal that includes the NRT content and the primary content.
 17. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the step of determining whetherthe selected NRT content can be downloaded from an external device thatis accessible via the communication network comprises: determiningwhether the selected NRT content can be downloaded from an externaldevice connected to a same subnet as the reception apparatus, and whenthe selected NRT content is determined not to be downloadable from anexternal device connected to the same subnet as the reception apparatus,determining whether the selected NRT content can be downloaded from anexternal device connected to another subnet different from the subnet ofthe reception apparatus.
 18. The method according to claim 10, furthercomprising: storing, in the memory, a subset of the NRT content includedin the digital television broadcast signal broadcast from the contentsource based on user preference information.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having embedded therein instructionswhich, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform amethod for accessing non-real-time (NRT) content, the method comprising:receiving, by a processor of a reception apparatus, a selection of theNRT content included in a digital television broadcast signal broadcastby a content source; determining whether the selected NRT content isstored in a memory of the reception apparatus; when the selected NRTcontent is determined not to be stored in the memory, determiningwhether the selected NRT content can be downloaded from an externaldevice that is accessible via a communication network; and when theselected NRT content is determined to be downloadable from an externaldevice that is accessible via the communication network, downloading theselected NRT content from the external device.